Camelbak hydration pack
 

Does anyone use one of these? I'm thinking of trying one and my LBS has one on sale for $22.00 here is the one I'm looking at. Looks like enough room for keys, cell, and wallet...

http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recre...-hydrobak.aspx

I have an older version of this that I only use when I have to on rides in AZ. I don't like carrying water on my back unless absolutely necessary, too heavy. If it's more than a 3 bottle ride, then the Camelback is used. I'll freeze the frame bottles and drink the Camelback first, to get the weight off.

I can't imagine 'needing' one on the East coast. I would think a park/playground would always be handy for a refill.

I agree with OFG, I don't like carrying it on my back. I use them primarily when i go snowboarding and a backpack feels fine then, but on a bike I feel like it just makes my back sweat and makes it harder for me to stay in proper form.

That said, I've owned 2 over the last 10 years and I love them...the first one had to get thrown out after a day snowboarding when I put Amaretto in it (kids, don't try this at home) and couldn't get the taste of hazlenut or whatever that is out of it. Also beer is tough to get out of there...not recommended.

The second one that I have now is much better...Its got an insulated jacket that fits around the camelback bag and an insulated thing around the hose and another big thick rubber thing that can cover over the mouthpiece to keep it from freezing (again, I use mine in winter mainly) I guess the insulation isn't so awesome for biking.

Whatever you do, get the mouthpiece with the little shutoff valve. I always end up getting dribbled on when i used a mouthpiece without it.

I wish there was a way to mount a camleback on my bike frame and still be able to drink out of it while riding.

I love mine (I have a larger one used mainly when trail riding on my motorcycle or on long MTB rides) and agree it can be a pain to have on your back - but rather that than dehydration! Also agree get the Camelback mouthpiece.....

I finally broke down and bought the little kit that you use to keep them open to dry out after use - works great as well and would recommend getting one when you buy the pack.

Mark

+1 that hanger thing is great.

The kit comes with some effervescent tabs to clean it with too. They work well but alka-seltzer is just as good and cheaper when you run out of the camlebak ones.

What? We have Starbucks for that! :D

Scott

I have three different sized Camelback models, including the one posted by the OP. This one, along with the next size up, fits my needs just fine - they are small enough not to get in the way and I don't feel weighed down. The storage is pretty darned minimal, though: keys and a protein bar is about it. I also have a much larger reservoir Camelback and it's simply too much, it's only gotten used twice I think, and was a waste of money for me.

Hey Scott,

Yes we do have Starbucks, but I've been spending too much time and money in that place.........:thumb:

I don't use a name brand camelbak, but I have an Osprey Daylite backpack I got for free—nice small pack designed to supplement a larger backpacking pack—with a hydration reservoir pocket. I got a Nalgene reservoir to go with it.

Totally love it. I find it much easier than fiddling with a bottle (but I'm also clumsy). It takes but a second to put the hose in your mouth and get your hands back on the bars, then just let it go and it magnetically clips back onto your pack strap. I use it for cycling, hiking, camping, everything.

What you might find is how practical a Camelbak can be for many on this forum I'm assuming ride multiple different bikes. No matter what I ride I take my Camelbak with both a Schrader and Presta tube plus all the other usual junk. It's easier than switching saddlebags, moving your gear, and forgetting something important like levers or a small patch kit.

I'm probably in the minority not using my Camelbak for hydration. I bought one purely because it's the only cycling specific backpack I know of. Besides I prefer SS bottles for water, and minus the weight of the bladder you'll hardly feel the Camelbak the way I use it.

For the few older bikes I ride without braze-ons for bottle cages, I just stuff a bottle in the open space of my Mule. At least until VO or someone makes a classic drop bar mount for a bottle cage from the 50's.

I like mine (not a Camelback; a Fox-branded pack) for mountain biking primarily because it avoids getting mud and dirt on the mouthpiece of a frame-mounted water bottle.

For road riding, it's just water bottles and jersey pockets/saddle bag as I'd prefer to keep the weight off my back, and for commuting and errands, I have a larger messenger bag for everything anyway.

I can imagine. Only one ride starting from my house (I have at least 20 different ones) passes a public beach with a water fountain, and then it is only on during July & August. Only about three of my rides pass a convenience store. You have 100s of more places in the Phoenix-Scottsdale, AZ area to find water refills, than I do here in NH. Of course I have to ride at least 15 miles to find a traffic light.

I have found a Camelback to be one of those great late 20th Century inventions. The model I have is specifically designed for cyclists. It has ridges on the sides and a large channel down the middle to carry air in order to cool your back. Mine has a pocket for a pump, and another two for small tools, patch kit, spare tube, keys, etc. I added a pouch on the shoulder strap to carry my cell phone.

I'm a big guy and I like my H2O! During the summer mine is filled with a tray of ice, and refrigerated water, just before I leave. It will last for 30 miles, and usually the water is still cold by the time I arrive home. What's not to like about that? It is very rare that I ride without my Camelback. I'm a big advocate!

Mine is the older version of the Rogue, which was designed for road bikers.

http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recre...010-rogue.aspx

http://www.camelbak.com/~/media/Imag...40&thn=0&w=270